Ravens, 49ers share practice digs at Saints' facility

Now, their football teams are dividing up usage of the New Orleans Saints' practice facility.

After the Ravens expressed concerns about the hard surface of an artificial turf practice field at Tulane University, they shifted practice to Metairie, La.

Using 100 feet of piping drapes to block the views of both teams and covering up windows in the weight room, the NFL football operations staff and Saints worked to separate the teams from being able to watch each other Thursday.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh characterized the workouts as "a very normal, late-season Thursday practice.' I think our players dealt with it great. As Ray [Lewis] just said to me, 'We work.' That's what we do. Our guys don't flinch at things like this.''

Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs addressed the team for a few minutes.

During the practice, the Ravens had several songs playing, including hard rock of AC/DC to the rap of Soulja Boy and Chief Keef to Metallica.

The Ravens had full participation in practice for the second consecutive day.

Ellerbe returned to practice Wednesday after missing three days last week due to a sprained right ankle, toe injury and a minor back injury, but had already indicated he wouldn't be sidelined for the Super Bowl.

Meanwhile, outside linebackers Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks were limited again for the second consecutive day.

49ers kicker David Akers, who has struggled mightily this season, kicked some field goals while players yelled to create crowd noise. Smith used an amplifier to be even noisier.

And the 49ers used a simulated noise machine.

Harbaugh said that Akers connected on every kick.

"That’s the first time they ever have done that in two years,’’ Harbaugh said regarding the manufactured crowd noise. "David made all of them, which was even better. His mechanics are real good. That bodes well. Good things will happen for us in that area."